Whyteleafe 2 Leatherhead 2

Matches between the Tanners and Whyteleafe are rarely without incident and this was no exception.

Three defensive errors and what seemed to be a refereeing mistake (or two) marked a game that ended with shared points - and probably fairly so.

Leatherhead's start was not a particularly encouraging one.

Despite going on the attack from the kick-off with a move that saw Andy Mertin blast his shot clean over the bar, the home team took an early lead after a free-kick was poorly defended, with the goal-keeper fixed on his line and the defenders static.

Sean Rivers managed to get in front of his markers to head in a relatively simple goal.

One common feature of their recent performances was the Tanners' territorial dominance and, although Leafe proved to be of sterner stuff than recent opponents, much of the play was restricted to their half.

It was the final ball that let down the visitors - too many times a long ball was hoofed down the middle to be dealt with effectively by home defenders Steve Causon and Moses Spencer, although it was this routine that was eventually to be Whyteleafe's undoing.

The Tanners' situation deteriorated when, after 25 minutes, a deep cross that dropped into the six-yard box at the far post was not dealt with and Daniel Platel nipped in to head home. These were two soft goals, and the second was definitely against the run of play.

Whyteleafe were pinned back in their half for long periods and the Tanners started to create worthwhile chances.

Dave Stevens, now back at the Grove for the third time, could have scored after Leafe goalkeeper Robert Tolfrey spilled his shot, only just to gather the ball before it crossed the line.

The second half definitely belonged to the Tanners. Despite the ever-present threat from goal scorers Platell and Rivers, the Mole Valley side's goal was not seriously threatened, with Aaron France able to regain the knock to his confidence that the first-half goals must have given him.

Hope came for Leatherhead when, with time running out, a corner from the left dropped into the home penalty box and the referee blew for a penalty amid great confusion - from both sides, their respective benches and supporters. Subsequently, it emerged that Matt Jones's jersey had been pulled and Stevens calmly drilled the spot kick home.

This proved a real shot in the arm for the away side.

With the Tanners pressing forward, the Whyteleafe defence was put under real pressure.

The long ball that had been dealt with so effectively finally proved their undoing.

A deep punt confused Moses Spencer and his mistimed header went backwards.

Tanners substitute Adam Bernard was quickest to react, with his speed undoing the defence.

His shot while running away from the goal at an angle was well timed and evaded the desperate attempt by Tolfrey to cut down Bernard's angles.

With just injury-time left, Leatherhead had salvaged a point in a match where they had the bulk of the play but let their defensive frailties give them the worse possible start.

It was a comeback of character and commitment that was well worth the shared points.

Tanners: France, Hudson, Shannon, Duncan, Hendry, Palmer (Jones), Holmes (Bernard), Bennetts, Gibbs (Marshall), Martin, Stevens